Identifying sarcopenia among post-stroke older people

Abstract

Objective

To identify Sarcopenia among post-stroke older people in the community setting.

Methods

Cross-sectional design was used in this study. Eighty post-stroke older people were living in the community in Makassar, Indonesia participated in this study. The inclusion criteria were: has been returned from the hospital, could walk with or without walking aid, and could communicate effectively. Those with cardiovascular disorders were excluded from the study. The measurement of handgrip strength with handgrip dynamometer, physical performance with 6 min walking test, and Muscle Mass Index (MMI) with calf circumference as three aspects to determine Sarcopenia was performed. In addition, we also determine participants’ fall risk with Time-up and Go test (TUG).

Results

The majority of participants had low handgrip strength (96.2%), more than one-fourth (27.5%) had low physical performance, and low MMI (32.5%). Almost half of the participants had Sarcopenia (40%), and almost all were high risk of falls (96.2%).

Conclusion

The number of Sarcopenia incidence and fall risk among post-stroke older people is quite high. Therefore, an intervention program to manage and reduce Sarcopenia incidence among post-stroke older people should be developed.